Fractures of the ankle are common, and they mostly affect young adults. Wound complications are not uncommon following the fixation of these fractures. This study evaluated the impact of HIV on wound healing after plate osteosynthesis in patients with closed ankle fractures.

This is an observational retrospective study of patients operated on at a tertiary level hospital. We reviewed hospital records for patients above 18 years of age who presented with wound breakdown following ankle open reduction and internal fixation. The patients’ hospital records were retrieved to identify all the patients treated for closed ankle fractures and those who developed wound breakdown. Patients with Pilon fractures were excluded. The National Health Laboratory System (NHLS) database was accessed to retrieve the CD4 count, viral load, haematology study results, and biochemistry results of these patients at the time of surgery and subsequent follow-up. The x-rays were retrieved from the electronic picture archiving system (PACS) and were assessed for fracture union at a minimum of 3 months follow-up.

We reviewed the medical records of 172 patients with closed ankle fractures treated from 2018 to 2022. Thirty-one (18.0%) developed wound breakdown after surgery, and they were all tested for HIV. Most of the patients were male (58.0%), and the average age of the cohort was 43.7 years (range: 21 years to 84 years). Ten of these patients (32.2%) were confirmed HIV positive, with CD4 counts ranging from 155 to 781. Viral load levels were lower than detectable in 40% of these patients. All patients progressed to fracture union at a minimum of 3 months follow-up.

We observed no difference between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in terms of wound breakdown and bone healing post-plate osteosynthesis for closed ankle fractures.

The April 2023 Hip & Pelvis Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Do technical errors determine outcomes of operatively managed femoral neck fractures in younger adults?; Single-stage or two-stage revision for hip prosthetic joint infection (INFORM); Fixation better than revision in type B periprosthetic fractures of taper slip stems; Can you maximize femoral head size at the expense of liner thickness?; Plasma D-dimer for periprosthetic joint infection?; How important is in vivo oxidation?; Total hip arthroplasty for HIV patients with osteonecrosis.

Aims

A number of anti-retroviral therapies (ART) have been implicated in potentially contributing to HIV-associated bone disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combination ART on the fracture healing process.

Abstract. Aim. End-stage arthropathy is a well-known complication of haemophilia, with recurrent haemarthroses leading to joint destruction, deformity, pain, and stiffness. In the knee, this is often treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which can be more challenging in patients with haemophilia (PwH) and associated with poorer outcomes. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine implant survivorship, functional outcomes and complication rates. Method. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed for studies reporting TKA outcomes with Kaplan-Meier survivorship in PwH (PROSPERO registered). Meta-analysis was performed for survivorship and outcomes, and the results were compared to outcomes from the National Joint Registry (NJR). Results. 19 studies, totalling 1187 TKAs (average age 39 years) were reviewed. In PwH, implant survivorship at 5, 10, and 15 years was 94%, 86%, and 76% respectively, whereas NJR reported survivorship for males <55 years was 94%, 90%, and 86%. Survivorship generally improved over the time period studied (1973–2017), but was inversely correlated with HIV infection (common in PwH). Range of motion improved by 10–20° post-operatively, and there were large improvements in Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS). The prosthetic joint infection rate (PJI) was 6% compared to 0.5-1% in non-PwH, but the reporting of other complications, especially haematological, was inconsistent. Conclusions. TKA in PwH has similar 5-year survivorship to non-PwH, but a six-fold higher infection rate. There were marked improvements in range of motion and PROMS, but complications were poorly reported. There remains a need for larger, long-term studies with standardised reporting

Aims

The aim of the HIPGEN consortium is to develop the first cell therapy product for hip fracture patients using PLacental-eXpanded (PLX-PAD) stromal cells.

Aim. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the development of early and late fracture-related infections (FRI) following closed and open fractures in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Method. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE through the OVID interface, ProQuest, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Scopus. Only studies involving HIV-positive who underwent operative fixation (internal or external) of open or closed fractures, with a HIV-negative control group, were considered eligible. Following eligibility assessment, studies were included with the main outcome of interest being the development of either early or late fracture-related infection at the site of surgery in patients with open and closed fractures. Results. Eleven studies were included (n = 2634). The studies’ follow-up periods were between one and 39 months with an average of 11 months. Three studies were conducted before the introduction of ARV (anti-retroviral) therapy (1994) and two did not involve any patients on ARV's. Across the entire group, for both open and closed fractures, the risk of a fracture-related infection was greater in HIV-positive patients (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.61; 95% CI = 0.93–2.79, p = 0.04). When looking at closed fractures treated operatively, an OR = 4.59 was found in HIV-positive patients in terms of the risk of fracture-related infection (95% CI = 0.30–68.99, p < 0.001). Open fractures showed similar results with an OR of 3.48 in HIV-positive patients (95% CI = 0.55 – 21.99, p < 0.001). Studies performed prior to the widespread introduction of anti-retroviral therapy and/or did not have any patients on antiretroviral therapy showed a greater infection risk in patients living with HIV infection with OR 3.53 (95% CI = 1.85 – 6.74, p = 0.36). However, studies performed in the era after the introduction of antiretroviral therapy showed no increase of infection risk for HIV-positive patients with an OR = 0.91 (95% CI = 0.58 – 1.43, p = 0.76). Conclusions. The assumption that HIV infection increases the risk for fracture-related infection remains unsubstantiated. The introduction of anti-retroviral therapy may have confounded the issue and we noted an apparent decrease in the risk in later studies. More data is required from well-designed larger studies to inform future analysis

Introduction. Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) can be detected by sputum cultures. However, Extra Pulmonary Spinal Tuberculosis (EPSTB), diagnosis is challenging as it relies on retrieving a sample. It is usually discovered in the late stages of presentation due to its slow onset and vague early presentation. Difficulty in detecting Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria from specimens is well documented and therefore often leads to culture negative results. Diagnostic imaging is helpful to initiate empirical therapy, but growing incidence of multidrug resistant TB adds further challenges. Methods. A retrospective analysis of cases from the Infectious Disease (ID) database with Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) between 1. st. of January 2015 to 31. st. of January. Two groups were compared 1) Culture Negative TB (CNTB) and 2) Culture Positive TB (CPTB). Audit number was. Results. 31 cases were identified with EPSTB. 68% (n=21) were male. 55% (n=17) patients were Asian, (19% (n=6) were black and 16% (n=5) were of white ethnicity. 90.4% (n=28) patients presented with isolated spinal TB symptoms. No patient had evidence of HBV/HCV/HIV infections. CPTB Group was 51.6% (n=16) compared to CNTB Group with 48.4% (n=15) 48% (15) lumbar involvement, 42% (13) thoracic and 10% (3) cervical. 38.7% (12) patients presented with late neurology, equally in both groups. 56% CPTB patients showed signs of vertebral involvement on plain radiograph compared to 13.3% in CNTB patients. 68.7% CPTB patients had pathological changes or paraspinal collections seen on CT scan compared to 53.3% of CNTB patients. 81% of CPTB showed positive MRI findings compared to 86% in CNTB. Both groups were treated with Anti-TB medications according to local guidelines. 83% patients were followed up till the end of the treatment course. 22.5% (n=7) patients had Ultrasound guided aspiration. 29% (n=9) patients underwent surgical intervention. 3 patients had Laminectomy for decompression. 6 patients underwent Spinal Decompression and Fixation due to extensive bone destruction. No mortality occurred. Conclusion. TB continues to be a growing problem in the developed world with high numbers of patients travelling from endemic regions. 75% of our cases were from Asian or Black ethnicity. The thoracolumbar region was most commonly effected (90%). Approximately 50% of cases of extrapulmonary spinal TB were culture negative. Neurological deficit occurred in 40% patients and 30% of patients required surgery. Standard anti-TB treatment was however effective in all cases with no significant drug resistant variants noted. MRI and CT imaging remain the superior diagnostic tests in the presence of high CN EPSTB

Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented burden on global healthcare systems, and existing infrastructures must adapt and evolve to meet the challenge. With health systems reliant on the health of their workforce, the importance of protection against disease transmission in healthcare workers (HCWs) is clear. This study collated responses from several countries, provided by clinicians familiar with practice in each location, to identify areas of best practice and policy so as to build consensus of those measures that might reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to HCWs at work.

Aims

HIV predisposes patients to opportunistic infections. However, with the establishment of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART), patients’ CD4 counts are maintained, as is a near normal life expectancy. This study aimed to establish the impact of HIV on the bacteriology of spondylodiscitis in a region in which tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, and to identify factors that might distinguish between them.

Aims

The surgical treatment of tuberculosis (TB) of the spine consists of debridement and reconstruction of the anterior column. Loss of correction is the most significant challenge. Our aim was to report the outcome of single-stage posterior surgery using bone allografts in the management of this condition.

Aim. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication of prosthetic implantation and needs a combined surgical and antimicrobial treatment. One-stage revision results usually in similar cure rate than two-stage (around 85–92%), but antibiotic therapy duration is not well established. The aim of study was to evaluate the efficacy of a short six-weeks antibiotic course in hip and knee PJIs after one-stage replacement arthroplasty (RA). Method. This was a retrospective, observational study conducted at Orthopaedic Department of Cochin Hospital, Paris, between 1stJanuary 2010 and 31 December 2015. Inclusion criteria were: age>18 years; clinical/microbiological diagnosis of PJI; one-stage RA; 6-weeks course of antibiotics; follow-up of at least one year. PJIs were classified depending on the delay of infection from implantation as: early(<3 months), delayed(3–24 months), late(>24 months). Pearson's-χ2 and t-tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Results. Fifty patients with PJIs treated with one-stage hip/knee replacement arthroplasty (HRA/KRA) were included, 42 HRA, 8KRA. Median age was 69.3 years (IQR 24.5–97.4), 31 were males. Comorbidities included tumours(18%), polyarthritis(12%), chronic kidney disease (CKD), HIV infection. ASA score was ≥3 in 15(30%) cases. PJIs occurred after a mean of 36 months:9 early, 9 delayed, 32 late. Bone biopsy and synovial fluid cultures were positive for methicillin-susceptible coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MSCNS) in 19(65%) cases, methicillin-resistant CNS (MRCNS) in 5(17%), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) in 5(17%), P. acnes in 20(40%), Enterobacteriacae in 6(12%), Streptococcus spp. in 4(8%), E. faecium and Listeria spp.(2%). Twelve PJIs (24%) were polymicrobial. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for 11 days (IQR 4–45). Daptomycin was used in 22(44%) cases. Forty-six 46(92%) patients were switched to oral antibiotics: fluoroquinolones in 25(54%) cases, clindamycin in 19(41%), beta-lactams in 17(37%), rifampicin in 12(26%). One patient died due to a carcinoma, while others reached at least one year evaluation (IQR 12–60). Overall, the remission rate was 90%(HRA=90%, KRA=88%). Failures included 4 relapses and one reinfection: HRA in 80%, ASA score ≥3 in 40%. Infections recurred after 6 months (IQR 4–12); bacteria involved were: MSCNS(n=2), MSSA, P. acnes and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae. Univariate analysis, performed for demographical and PJI parameters, showed no differences between success and failures, except for radiotherapy, HIV infection and CKD associated to worst prognosis (p=0.05, OR=10.7; remission rate=50%). The lowest rate of failures was observed with rifampicin use, but it was not significant(p=0.14). Conclusions. six-weeks course of antibiotics in knee and hip PJIs treated with one stage revision, seems sufficient with a satisfactory remission rate

Objectives

Surgeons face a substantial risk of infection because of the occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) from patients undergoing high-risk orthopaedic procedures. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of four BBPs among patients undergoing joint arthroplasty in Shanghai, China. In addition, we evaluated the significance of pre-operative screening by calculating a cost-to-benefit ratio.

In this retrospective observational cohort study, we describe 17 patients out of 1775 treated for various fractures who developed mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection after surgery. The cohort comprised 15 men and two women with a mean age of 40 years (24 to 70). A total of ten fractures were open and seven were closed. Of these, seven patients underwent intramedullary nailing of a fracture of the long bone, seven had fractures fixed with plates, two with Kirschner-wires and screws, and one had a hemiarthroplasty of the hip with an Austin Moore prosthesis. All patients were followed-up for two years. In all patients, the infection resolved, and in 14 the fractures united. Nonunion was seen in two patients one of whom underwent two-stage total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the other patient was treated using excision arthoplasty. Another patient was treated using two-stage THA. With only sporadic case reports in the literature, MTB infection is rarely clinically suspected, even in underdeveloped and developing countries, where pulmonary and other forms of TB are endemic. In developed countries there is also an increased incidence among immunocompromised patients. In this paper we discuss the pathogenesis and incidence of MTB infection after surgical management of fractures and suggest protocols for early diagnosis and management.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1279–83.

Drug therapy forms an integral part of the management of many orthopaedic conditions. However, many medicines can produce serious adverse reactions if prescribed inappropriately, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Often these hazards are not appreciated. In response to this, the European Union recently issued legislation regarding safety measures which member states must adopt to minimise the risk of errors of medication.

In March 2014 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and NHS England released a Patient Safety Alert initiative focussed on errors of medication. There have been similar initiatives in the United States under the auspices of The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error and The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. These initiatives have highlighted the importance of informing and educating clinicians.

Here, we discuss common drug interactions and contra-indications in orthopaedic practice. This is germane to safe and effective clinical care.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:434–41.

Background:. There is limited evidence regarding HIV infection as a risk factor for delayed union and implants sepsis in patient with fractures treated with surgical fixation. Most studies have included patient with a variety of different fractures and hence very different risks regarding delayed union and implant sepsis. We have looked at a single fracture, closed femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, to see if HIV infection is a risk factor with for the development of delayed union and implant sepsis. We present a prospective study of 160 patients with closed femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. Primary outcomes were delayed union of more than 6 months and implant sepsis in the first 12 months. Methods:. From February 2011 until November 2012 all patient with closed femoral shaft fractures treated at our hospital were included in the study. Patients were tested for HIV infection and a number of clinical parameters were documented, including: AO fracture score, duration of surgery, level of training of surgeon, comorbidities, CD4 count, high energy injury and number of operations. Results:. Forty (25%) patients were HIV positive. Seven patients had CD4 counts below 350 cells/µL and 12 patients were on ARV's. Four (3%) patients developed implants sepsis and of these 1 (25%) was HIV positive. Two (1%) patients had a delayed union of more than 6 months and both these patients were HIV negative. Conclusion:. HIV is not a risk factor for delayed union and implant sepsis in the first 12 months after surgery. Intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective in the treatment of HIV positive patients with closed femur fractures

Despite numerous advances in the management of chronic osteomyelitis, many questions remain. To date, no evidence-based guidelines exist in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. In essence the aim is to improve quality of life through either a curative or a palliative treatment strategy. The choice of treatment strategy is based on the physiological status of the host. This process of host stratification is, however, complicated by the fact that the definition of a C-host has never been standardized. Purpose;. The aim of the study was to investigate the short term outcome of the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in adult patients where selection of a management strategy was based on a refined host stratification system. Methods;. A retrospective review was performed of adult patients with chronic osteomyelitis seen over a one year period. In total 116 patients were included in the study. A modified host stratification system was applied, incorporating predefined major and minor criteria, to determine each patient's host status. Results;. A high prevalence of HIV infection (28.6%) and malnutrition (15%) was present in the study population. Almost half the patients were classified as C-hosts (44.8% or n=52), followed by B-host classification in 39.7% of cases (n=46). At a mean follow-up of one year an overall success rate of 91.4% (95% CI: 84.7–95.8%) was achieved. Host status and outcome (remission, suppression or failure) was significantly dependent (p-value < 0.001). Success was achieved in 92.2% of patients treated curatively and 89.6% of patients treated palliatively. Conclusion;. By integrating the physiological status of the host (based on objective predefined criteria) with the appropriate curative, palliative or alternative treatment strategy we were able to achieve acceptable outcomes in both low and high risk cases and, in addition, avoid unnecessary amputation

Background:. There are multiple risk factors regarding the outcome of open tibia fractures treated with surgical fixation. In this study we have looked at delay to debridement and HIV infection as risk factors in the outcome of open tibia fractures. Methods:. We present a prospective study of 89 patients with open tibia fractures treated with surgical fixation with a significant delay to first debridement and a high prevalence of HIV infection. Primary outcome of this study was time to union and wound infection in the first 3 months. All patients admitted in our hospital between February 2011 and October 2012 with open fractures of the tibia requiring surgical fixation were included in the study. Patients were tested for HIV infection and multiple clinical parameters were documented, including; Gustilo-Anderson classification, ASEPSIS wound score, New Injury Severity Score(NISS), comorbidities, time to 1st debridement, time to 1st dose of antibiotics, pin site score, level of contamination, level training of the surgeon, high energy injuries, time to union and socio-economic parameters. Patients were followed to union. Results:. Twenty-five (28%) of the 89 patients were HIV positive. Forty-six (52%) patients had a delay to debridement of more than 24 hours. Eight (9%) patients developed wound infection in the first 3 months. Seventeen (19%) patients had a delayed union of more than 6 months. This study was underpowered to show a relation between wound infection and the clinical parameters of our patients. A logistic regression analysis showed that grade 3 Gustilo-Anderson injuries were associated with delayed union. We did not find an association between delayed union and; – HIV status, NISS, time to 1st debridement, high energy injuries, level of contamination and time to 1st dose of antibiotics. Conclusion:. This study suggests that delay to 1st debridement and HIV status are not significant risk factors for wound infection and delayed union in patients with open tibia fractures. There was a significant association between Gustilo-Anderson grade 3 open fractures of the tibia and delayed union. We stress the importance of good clinical judgment in the surgical treatment of open tibia fractures in a setting with high rates of HIV infection and limited resources